dentist

 

“Open wide.  Just a small prick.

Nothing to fear from this hypodermic.”

.

“Shouldn’t he take more care to check?

Can feel the needle out the back of my neck!”

.

Pain abates, jaw goes numb,

Mouth full of swabs; can’t find my tongue.

Fingers and mirror, I’m gasping for air.

Scaler and suction.  “What else is in there?”

My head’s in a spin, eyes have gone hazy,

This whining drill is driving me crazy.

.

“Will have to extract old decayed tooth.

No chance of reprieve; it’s become too loose.”

.

Attempt to protest but checked by a hurdle.

So much in my mouth; can only gurgle.

His assistant, standing not far away,

Hands him forceps from the instrument tray,

But pull as he might, the tooth won’t budge,

My neck extends like a piece of soft fudge.

Release is sudden!  Head jerks back

With instant recoil and a shuddering smack.

.

“Spit out the blood, rinse away goo.”

.

“That’s a relief!  Don’t mind if I do.”

.

Where’d this all come from, it’s surely not mine?

Almost an armful; same colour as wine!

.

“You’ve been very brave, so let me explain,

There’s a lot more to do; we must see you again.

Please visit the lady at the front desk,

Tell her your name, she’ll do the rest.”

.

I shuffle there slowly, put on a brave face,

Displaying weakness would be a disgrace.

Kindly, she smiles and hands me the bill,

One horrified glance, and I need a pill.

I offer my card, which emits a sad beep,

My legs start to tremble, knees go weak.

What she says next, I don’t want to hear,

So attempt a swift exit out of blind fear.

But not that easy will I get away

Before heeding the words she’s programed to say.

.

“Confirm next appointment before you depart.

This isn’t the end, it’s only the start!”